Kealia Ohai

The story is originally shared at Girls Soccer Network — The 2017 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season is almost upon us, and it’d be remiss to feature some of the league’s brightest stars before the season gets started. Last week, we shined a spotlight on Joanna Lohman who is as versatile as ever. For this week’s WCW we’re heading down south to show some love to Kealia Ohai of the Houston Dash.

The Utah native was a star at the University of North Carolina, where she helped the team win a national title in 2012. Ohai was also voted the most valuable offensive player of the tournament after she netted two key goals on their title run. The Houston Dash were the first expansion team for the NWSL, and they wisely selected Ohai with the second pick in the 2014 Draft.

Before Ohai even became a professional soccer player, she had already become one of the more decorated players for the U-20 USWNT. 2012 was a perfect year for Ohai. She also was the leader of the U-20 team that won the 2012 World Cup, where she scored the game winning goal over Germany.

Ohai has now been a pro for three years, and she’s quickly developed into arguably the league’s best players with blazing quick speed and the ability to finish in front of goal. In 2016, Ohai tied Lynn Williams for top scorer in the league with 11 goals. It was that outstanding run of play that allowed for Ohai to get her first senior call up for the USWNT.

She would come on as a sub against Switzerland in the 81st minute. Her impact was immediate. Ohai holds the record for fastest goal scored by a debutante when she scored just 48 seconds after coming onto the pitch.

Ohai is a star in her own right, both on and off the field. She makes up half of one of Houston’s biggest power couples. Ohai has been dating Houston Texans star J.J. Watt for months now. Apparently, it’s hot and heavy and we couldn’t be happier. They met thru Kealia’s sister Megan, who is married to Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing. Ohai and watts were friends for a long time before stated their romance and have not looked back.

Everything seems to be falling into place for Kealia Ohai. If she has a starring role on her team again and stays healthy, then this could be the year she helps lead the Dash to their first postseason appearance in franchise history.